What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is at the heart of everything we do at RoboFit. But you may be wondering what assistive technology actually is, and what it includes.
Without any further ado, here’s the rundown:
The emergence of human exoskeletons
According to the NDIS, Assistive Technology is technology that enables the user to do something more easily, or achieve something that the user’s disability would have otherwise prevented them from doing.
For example, assistive technology could provide help with mobility, most often in the form of a wheelchair, with other types of mobility enhancing assistive technology being exoskeletons and motorised scooters.
It can be low or high-tech, ranging from things as simple as sensory items like felt, all the way through to a specially-designed computer with inputs customised for the exact use case of the intended user.
Another high-tech assistive technology is an exoskeleton, like the ones we deploy at RoboFit, designed to walk with the wearer, encouraging neuroplasticity and building the wearer’s capacity to live independently.
There’s an abundance of computer related assistive technology too, such as text-to-speech, screen readers, auto caption, customised keyboards and mice, custom adaptive game controllers, eye-gaze and head trackers, and so much more.
Importantly, assistive technology is designed to be adapted to each individual’s needs, meaning that no two configurations will ever be the same. Assistive technology even includes items that we take for granted, such as power lifts or escalators. The possibilities are limitless.
How do I choose Assistive Technology?
Usually, an occupational therapist or another allied health professional will make several recommendations to you, often including some referrals for the NDIS to partially or fully fund the required technology to help you reach your goals.
If you would like to try RoboFit’s assistive exoskeleton technology, get in touch at the link below or email hello@robofit.com.au.
